Thursday, 12 May 2016

A Roller-coaster Ride of Emotions: Helping a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition that causes a person to have unusual mood changes that can affect his everyday activities. Mood shifts cannot be controlled by individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder. Aside from proper treatment and medications, genuine love and support from family and friends can help a person with the illness. Here are some ways on how loved ones can help:

Learn about the disorder: Educate yourself with books and online resources about the illness. Learn about the signs of mood episodes to set appropriate expectations each day. Acquiring more knowledge about it the disorder will make it easier to provide appropriate help.

Do not rush the recovery: Provide constant support but do not rush the recovery process. Be patient and be prepared to deal with setbacks during the person's road to recovery. Getting better is a long and challenging journey.

Presence and constant communication: Because of the balance and imbalance of chemicals in their brain, patients have a tendency to make rush decisions, do reckless activities, overspend, take illegal drugs, and a lot more. It is best for loved ones to be physically present to guide and help them in decision-making. Be a good influence. It is important to keep track of where they are and to stay connected so they can feel that there are constant people in their lives that will stay with them no matter what.

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About Me

Jonathan B. Lauter, M.D., is a psychiatrist and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. An alumnus of the Langley Porter Institute at the University of California at San Francisco, Dr. Lauter’s career spans several teaching and administrative positions. He currently runs a private practice in Manhattan and serves as a clinician at the Refuah Health Center in Spring Valley, New York.